CHANDEL: In a major contribution to biodiversity research and scientific knowledge, researchers have discovered a new species of freshwater catfish in the Bupal stream of the Dujang River, a tributary of Chakpi River in the Chindwin river system along the Indo-Myanmar border of Chandel district, Manipur. The newly identified species, named Exostoma Nasibarbatum, belongs to the family Sisoridae and has been described in the internationally recognised Journal of Natural History, published by Taylor & Francis.
The discovery was made by the research team led by Dr Bungdon Shangningam, assistant professor, and Paya Torisha Anal, PhD Scholar of Department of Zoology, Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal. Their research paper, titled “Exostoma Nasibarbatum, a new species of glyptosternine catfish from Manipur, northeastern India,” was published online on October 30, 2026. The collection was made on January 2, 2026, during an ichthyological survey conducted by the researchers. A prominent and prolific zoologist, Dr Shangningam belongs to Anal Naga tribe from Chakpikarong Village in Chandel district and has to her credit 39 fish species discovery, including two major ones in 2025 – species of rheophilic catfish Glyptothorax ahangkyensis from Ahangky river in Kangpokpi District and Garra nambashiensis in the Nambashi Valley, Manipur.
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According to the study, Exostoma Nasibarbatum can be distinguished from other closely related species by a combination of distinctive physical characteristics, particularly its unusually long nasal barbel, which extends beyond the posterior margin of the eye. Other distinguishing features include the structure of its adipose fin, distinctive patterns on the lips, and specific characteristics of its fins and body. The species inhabits fast-flowing, turbulent freshwater streams characterised by boulders and rocky substrates. The researchers observed that the fish was collected from a cold freshwater environment with temperatures ranging between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius. The surrounding riparian forests also play an important ecological role in maintaining water quality, regulating stream temperatures and supporting aquatic biodiversity.
The scientific name Nasibarbatum has been derived from the Latin words nasus, meaning nose, and barba, meaning beard, referring to the species’ prominent nasal barbel.
The researchers noted that the newly discovered species is presently known only from its type locality in the Bupal stream. Its discovery highlights the rich but still insufficiently explored aquatic biodiversity of the Chindwin River drainage in Manipur. The study further emphasised that remote and relatively inaccessible streams in the region may harbour other undocumented species. It also underlined the need for further exploratory surveys, comprehensive ecological assessments and molecular studies to better understand the biodiversity and evolutionary history of the region.
The discovery of Exostoma Nasibarbatum marks an important milestone for scientific research in Chandel district, placing the district on the map of freshwater biodiversity research. Beyond its taxonomic significance, the finding also underscores the ecological importance of protecting the district’s rivers, streams and surrounding forest ecosystems.
The research has brought scientific recognition to Chandel’s natural heritage and reinforced the importance of continued exploration and conservation of its unique freshwater ecosystems.
(Written by Ts Mhanthung Anal)
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